My Business Class Travel Adventures, and Using Frequent Flyer Miles

As a full-time traveler, I take a lot of flights. And since my travels are financially sustainable between my writing income and creative attempts at accommodation, I won’t pay the big bucks to fly business class (or – gasp – first class).

So unless I am lucky enough to get a free upgrade to first class, I am relegated to the ranks of economy – cattle class – with so many others.

But after reading Chris Guillebeau’s Frequent Flyer Master and getting one of his email updates about a US Airways promotion that promised some big bonus miles, I decided to take a financial leap of faith with the payoff of some big rewards.

My leap of faith came in the form of $1,200 in purchases, some of which could double as Christmas presents, and the bulk of which came in the form of identity tracking stickers (that proved to be considerably more valuable to me than I expected). Die-hard frequent flyer mile accumulators were making similar purchases (except some were spending up to four times as much as I), and almost nobody was actually interested in the stickers – it was solely for the frequent flyer miles.

This being my first frequent flyer mile “sting”, I was but dipping a toe in the waters of such operations, still nervous that US Airways wouldn’t credit the miles, or that I’d somehow screw up the purchases without recourse, or that the airline would devalue the miles.

Luckily none of that happened. 150,000 frequent flyer miles posted themselves neatly to my account three months later, US Airways didn’t devalue the miles, and I could use them for any Star Alliance airline flight.

I also followed some of Guillebeau’s techniques in his e-book for tracking and accumulating miles, as well as his redemption techniques. (One of his tips is that to get the most bang for your frequent flyer mile/buck, it is best to use them to book long-haul business class travel).

So when it came to plan out the next year of travel, my frequent flyer miles came in quite handy; my $1,200 purchase resulted in two long-haul business class flights (between New Zealand and Europe), as well as one return economy flight between New Zealand and Australia. I had to pay booking fees and taxes on both sets of tickets, which amounted to a total of $300, increasing my total out-of-pocket expenditure to $1,500. To have purchased the same flights at full price would have been over $5,800.

Having made the case for frequent flyer mile travel (I heartily endorse Chris Guillebeau’s Frequent Flyer Master e-book), I thought I’d let you in on the luxuries of my recent business class adventures….all 45 hours of them.

Leg One: New Zealand to Bangkok

It hadn’t occurred to me that the business class experience starts long before you get on the plane. From surpassing the long check-in lineups with special business class ticket counters, to circumventing passport control and security lineups with dedicated lanes, to special airport lounges with all you can eat and drink (and usually a good free WiFi connection), I was in airport bliss long before I set foot on the first of three flights.

The Air New Zealand lounge in Auckland was lovely, and set the stage beautifully for my business class travels. Although my flights were booked with Thai Airways (another Star Alliance carrier), I had use of the Air NZ lounge since there wasn’t a Thai Airways lounge in Auckland.

My flight to Bangkok was on a 777, and the business class seats (and service) was about as luxurious as I had hoped. The massive pod-like seats reclined to an almost flat position, which made sleep quite easy. If I were to be picky, I would say that the fully reclined position was actually a tad uncomfortable because I felt I was constantly sliding out of the seat if I didn’t brace myself with my feet on the footrest. But remembering what it’s like to catch fitful naps in cramped economy, I also realize I’m grasping at straws. Give me an inch, and I’ll take a mile, I guess!

Entertainment on demand was delivered through the large screens in front of each seat, and there was never any worry about the seat in front reclining into my lap, since the seat backs were fixed; instead each entire chair slid forward to recline.

The meals were spectacular. A menu revealed one 5-course meal and one 3-course meal, served on linen “tablecloths” with real cutlery and silver service. And of course, all the alcohol I could drink (which wasn’t very much). The service was attentive and the attendants spectacularly dressed in customary Thai silk garb.

Layover in Bangkok

As I indicated in a previous post, I was a touch nervous about the recent violent turmoil in Thailand, and so I decided to endure my 15 hour layover in the airport. However it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected it would be.

I passed the first few hours at a restaurant, enjoying some sticky rice and mango with coconut milk (one of my favourite Thai desserts) while charging my computer and reading. By this time it was 11:30pm, and I was so tired from my 15 hours of travel thus far that I felt nauseated. I was pleasantly surprised to find a quiet corner of the airport however, where I could lay out a blanket in relative peace (along with what accumulated to at least a dozen other travelers with the same motive) and get some fitful sleep for almost six hours. It was a strange contrast to my business class adventures, but one I wasn’t uncomfortable with.

By 5:30am, I couldn’t stand tossing and turning on the floor any longer, so I got up and thought I’d see if I could check in for my next flight – due to leave at 12:45pm. I was told the night prior that I couldn’t check in until 2.5 hours prior to boarding, but I had hoped that my question was lost in translation, and instead I was given the recommended check-in time, not the earliest one.

Bingo! I checked my bag and was given a pass to the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge. I spent the next six hours in relative bliss, surfing the WiFi madly, enjoying free Thai cuisine and beverages, and even receiving a complimentary Thai foot and leg massage at the Royal Orchid Spa. Heaven!

Leg Two: Bangkok to Frankfurt

My second flight (also almost 12 hours) was on a 747, and for the first time, I got to see what happens on the second floor of a 747! I was slightly disappointed to discover there was no dance party, spa, or swimming pool, but equally pleased to find a relatively intimate collection of business class seats.

Again the service was wonderful, the seats reclined, the entertainment selection was great, and the multi multi-course meals made me thankful for the long walks I took in the airport and enroute to the gate.

Leg Three: Frankfurt to Madrid

By the time I landed in Frankfurt, I had been flying (or laying over) for almost 40 hours. Although I caught some sleep on each flight and in the airport, I was starting to feel some deep fatigue, and the increase in temperature and daylight (not to mention the time changes) was disorienting.

I hurried to the Lufthansa Lounge, hoping to enjoy some of the relaxing space and quiet solitude I had found in my previous two lounge experiences. Unfortunately though, this lounge was packed to the hilt, and (gasp) didn’t even offer free WiFi. I did, however, manage to sweet talk the shower attendant into squeezing me in front of the cue for a quick shower before my next flight, which made a world of difference.

I had been looking forward to experiencing Lufthansa’s business class services, but was mildly disappointed. Thankfully I had some prior notice that Lufthansa’s business class short-haul flights weren’t worth the accompanying price tag, so I was even more thankful I hadn’t actually paid the accompanying price.

So although the service was lovely (attentive in an almost over-compensating manner), the food appeared to be the same as that served to other passengers (except with real cutlery), the seats weren’t any roomier (except the middle seat in every row of three was free), and the offer of free alcohol was lost on my tired body.

What I Learned

After experiencing long-haul business class travel, I’m not sure I can go back to economy! I am even more committed to using my frequent flyer miles for upgrades to business class for future long-haul flights, seeing the value in arriving refreshed and well-fed. And the perks make you feel like royalty.

I also see the value in buying a pass to the first class lounges – in most cases. Instead of losing the will to live as I did in the Los Angeles airport last year, I could have purchased access to the airport lounge for only $35. When flying economy and enduring a long layover (or early arrival to the airport), I think it’s worth it.

I had previously reserved my frequent flyer miles to cover the entire cost of an economy seat, and now instead I’m committed to finding more ways to use my miles for upgrades. In fact, every time I purchase an economy ticket, I can use existing miles to pay for my upgrade, as well as earn many more miles (and coveted status points) with my purchase.

With the help of the e-book Frequent Flyer Master and the regular updates that come with it, I expect to keep the miles flowing, and the business class flights coming.

Editor’s note: I received a free copy of Frequent Flyer Master for review purposes and there are affiliate links in this post. However I can’t say enough how much I endorse this product…if you fly, it’s worthwhile to get this book. The author even guarantees that with the application of the book’s tips, you will earn at least one free flight in your first year. So…what have you got to lose?

That setup on your NZ to Bangkok looks exquisite!! I love international flights,the service is just top notch compared to , flying coast to coast in the US of A . best I would have to say was Korea Air…first class,very costly,but very much worth it….keep truckin’ .I enjoy your blog very much!

@Don (John, Jeremy…!) – That meal picture was only the first of five courses! Indeed, it was exquisite. I don’t think I have any flights with Korea Air scheduled yet, but maybe that will be my next goal!

@Susan – Thanks! Indeed, there are many ways to take advantage of travel deals that don’t cost a fortune. That’s how I make full-time travel financially sustainable!

@John – Thanks! The book is best for US citizens, and a close second for Canadians. Those are the countries with the best membership programs, however I think that everybody can get some value out of the book.

Thanks Nora, I’ve been looking into alot of the Unconventional Guides, and I’ve yet to check out the Frequent Flyer one. I did however, sign up with KoreanAir’s frequent flyer program, which includes a couple dozen other airlines. We’ll see what happens.

I’m crazy about miles and try to make every purchase of mine count toward some kind of program. It’s almost become a little game I do though sometimes forgo the cheapest flight and modify my travel plans to best take advantage of the programs; I think the benefits are worth the slight extra cost for tickets in many cases.

@Anil – I agree. I often tend to go for the cheapest options, but I usually regret it immediately thereafter given the points I could have accumulated otherwise. You can actually break it down and calculate the extra cost of airfare divided by the number of miles you would get to see if the cost per mile makes sense. Chris has a few breakdowns for reasonable costs to pay per mile.

Thanks for this post Nora! We have been lucky enough to be upgraded to business class on our last 2 long haul flights and are addicted now. We will definitely be checking out Chris Guillebeau’s e book for more info.

@Dave&Deb – How did you get upgraded? Did you use miles? And if so, how easy/difficult was it? I’m hoping that my idea of buying economy tickets and using miles for upgrades (that is, when I don’t have enough miles for the whole enchilada) will be a sustainable way of continually generating enough miles to always fly business class. (fingers crossed)!

I once flew business class to London on a 747. I too was disapponted that the upstairs wasn’t as amazing as I had imagined in my head 😉 Sadly now all I fly is charter to Glasgow where there is only one class of service: cattle

@Kate – I really wish there was at least a walk-up bar, or disco, or something. I mean, c’mon!
As for flying charter, you may want to occasionally check out the prices for member-airlines…even paying $100 more for airfare can result in a free ticket after a flight or two with the accumulation of air miles…a little bit of number crunching can give you an indication as to whether or not it’s worth it. Not to mention the fact that you get to fly in a little more comfort than a charter airline provides…

Sadly only charters fly non-stop to Glasgow from the T-dot! I guess I would rather fly non-stop than bother going through somewhere like London (which is where I went when I had my business class experience). London is a terrible place to connect, the airlines sell connections, particularily from the eastern seaboard, that don’t have enough connection time and result in missed connections. This is what happened to me, not only did I have that dreaded overnight flight, albeit in business, but then they couldn’t get me on a flight to Glasgow for 7 hours. I kicked up a fuss and turned that 7 hours into 4 but still, it was brutal! Lesser of 2 evils I guess The charter that flies to Glasgow actually has a buy up class which we buy because Eddie’s legs are so long! The benefit is that it is right at the exit so we are the first ones off!

@Kate – Ah yes…connection times. I generally insist on at least a 2 hour connection time, since I hate the stress of missing flights! Unfortunately on my way back to the southern hemisphere in October, I have a measly 1.5 hour connection in Auckland (enroute to Melbourne)…here’s hoping my flight isn’t delayed!

Nora, do you think the tips in Chris’s book would still be relevant for a non-US citizen? We don’t have huge miles bonuses for credit card signups and the like as you do in the US. I wonder if things like the purchase of your stickers could be done if one isn’t a US citizen though.

Hey Bethaney – Well, I’m Canadian if that answers your question! 😉
Although there aren’t as many opportunities for Canadians as for US citizens, there certainly are plenty to keep an eye out for. Chris’s book and his newer (and even cooler) Travel Hacking Cartel are quite applicable for Canadians and citizens of other countries. He generally claims that about half the deals out there are applicable worldwide.http://www.wisebread.com/the-travel-hacking-cartel-fly-around-the-world-for-almost-free

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